Coatings and Sealants for Healthcare Flooring

Healthcare facility floors come in a wide range of types, materials, and styles. From waiting rooms to operating rooms, inpatient healthcare facilities to outpatient services locations, the long-term needs and care of these floor surfaces is of critical importance. Here we’ll dive into the types of flooring commonly found in hospitals, outpatient, and medical facilities, the importance of their maintenance, and how coatings and sealants can enhance safety and durability in each setting. 

Types of Floors in Healthcare Facilities

Any healthcare facility, from outpatient clinics to emergency departments, dental clinics, and long-term care facilities is likely to have many different types of flooring surfaces. This is because requirements vary per area. For example, operating rooms need to balance a sterile environment with durability that can stand up to heavy equipment and foot traffic. Hospitals and healthcare facilities of all types also need to balance infection control and prevention, slip resistance and safety for patients and staff. 

The appearance of floor surfaces also plays a key role in the reputation and cleanliness of any medical facility. A clean floor is essential in providing patients with confidence that the facility they are visiting is clean, sanitized, and safe. On the other hand, floors that are stained, have scuffs and show signs of use, can make patients feel uneasy and uncomfortable thinking that the healthcare facility is not well maintained, sanitary, and safe to perform sterile medical procedures. 

Here we will detail some of the more common floor surfaces found in healthcare facilities that Environmental Services departments should care for. 

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) & Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)

Commonly fused in hallways, waiting rooms, and entryways, luxury vinyl tile which has recently replaced vinyl composition tile,  is a durable and attractive option in some healthcare facility spaces. However, because the flooring has seams and is susceptible to scratching, it may be a poor choice for high-traffic areas, surgery rooms, and labs. 

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl, as the name suggests, is generally available in large rolls up to six feet wide. This means there are many fewer seams when flooring a room, even larger rooms. Seams also receive a heat sealing to prevent bacteria and microorganisms from accumulating. Sheet vinyl is found in many operating rooms, procedure or exam rooms, and intensive care units. 

Rubber Flooring

Rubber is an appealing flooring option for some areas of healthcare facilities, including stairwells, entries, gyms, physical therapy spaces, and other high-traffic areas. Rubber flooring is useful for reducing noise and being slip resistant. However, it is not recommended for ORs, the ICU, or similar areas where sterilization is critical. 

Epoxy Flooring

Thanks to its seamless installation, epoxy flooring is becoming a popular surface option for healthcare and medical facilities. It is non-porous, resistant to many harsh chemicals, it’s customizable for optimal appearance and easy to clean. Epoxy floors can also have anti-slip coatings or finishes, making them a good choice for operating rooms, emergency rooms, and labs. 

Urethane Coated Flooring

Urethane is another highly durable choice, as it is resistant to chemicals, stains, and scratches. It is also a seamless installation, meaning there are no gaps or areas where bacteria can be harbored. Surgical suites, patient rooms, and hallways are just a few of the areas where urethane flooring might be found. 

Polished Concrete

When it comes to durability, few flooring options can match polished concrete. Cost-effective and long lasting, polished concrete is easy to clean, chemical and stain resistant, and can stand up to heavy equipment. It requires proper sealing to provide maximum benefit. 

Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo floor surfaces are non-porous, making them highly resistant to stains and chemicals. They are also typically easy to clean and quite durable. Terrazzo is also highly customizable in appearance, allowing medical facilities more design and aesthetic options. While cleaning is fairly easy, restoring and recoating terrazzo may be necessary in high-traffic environments. 

Coatings, Sealants, and Healthcare Facility Floor Needs

With many different uses and needs, it would be impossible to create just one floor sealant or coating that works on any medical setting. Instead, floor surfaces, the uses of a space, and the long-term care have to be considered to find the appropriate solution.  

Coatings and sealants in healthcare settings can have many benefits. They can help floors withstand harsh chemicals (including disinfectants), they can provide slip resistance, and they can prevent bacteria from building up or spreading. 

But with concerns ranging from off gassing and air quality issues to downtime for critical areas, having Environmental Services Departments working with a trusted partner to evaluate and recommend proper coatings or sealants is key. Here are a few pros and cons to consider and to ask a commercial floor care services provider about: 

Pros

• Slip resistance – Preventing patient and staff injuries, especially in a medical setting where chemicals and spills may be present, is key. Many coatings can enhance traction in critical areas, helping to reduce hazards. 
• Chemical resistance – Harsh chemicals, disinfectants, biohazards, and other hazards can damage untreated flooring. Coatings and sealants can prevent damage to flooring surfaces as well as staining, helping to extend their service life. 
• Enhanced durability – Standing up to heavy equipment and significant foot traffic is one of the biggest concerns in healthcare setting flooring. Proper coating choices can make flooring more resilient, helping it resist the wear and tear common in these environments. 

Cons

• Fumes, off gassing, and air quality – Some coatings and sealants contain volatile chemicals and require significant ventilation in order to be applied safely. This off-gassing may also last for some time, meaning the area being treated is unusable for longer periods. Choosing the right coating or sealant can help to minimize downtime and protect air quality. 
• Dirt attraction or retention – Some coatings may attract or hold on to dirt, bacteria, and debris, defeating the purpose of applying them. 
• Incompatibility with flooring material – Because coatings and sealants are chemicals, there is the possibility of adverse interactions between the coating and the type of floor surface. Choosing the right coating involves understanding the flooring material and the chemicals involved in order to prevent damage. 

Expert Advice for Healthcare and Medical Facility Floor Care

While many healthcare floor cleaners and commercial janitorial service companies offer basic cleaning and disinfection services, most can not provide recommendations for coatings, sealants, and regular maintenance. In addition, some flooring surfaces require constant monitoring to prevent damage, enhance appearance, and ensure top-level performance, especially in healthcare environments. 

The MasterCorp team is comprised of floor care experts who understand floor surfaces at every level. From the materials and manufacture of all flooring surfaces to the installation process, maintenance, cleaning, and repair, our team can perform in-depth evaluations of healthcare facility flooring. They can determine the specific needs of your facility, consult with your Environmental Services team, and learn about the unique needs of your patients and staff. 

With that information, they can also apply their knowledge of the latest coating and sealant technology to make recommendations for protecting, preserving, and enhancing your floor surfaces. From sanitation recommendations and concerns to Centers for Disease Control compliance (for United States facilities), safety needs, and more, the experts at MasterCorp care about exceeding your needs and providing customized, careful, and reliable service that goes beyond basic cleaning. 

Contact our team today to schedule an expert consultation on your healthcare facility’s floor care needs, options, and recommended plan of action.